sense of privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the feeling that one has that comes from being part of a special or exclusive group or experience. For example: "I felt a sense of privilege to be a part of such an amazing event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, what its effect wasn't: a sense of privilege.

The New Yorker

"The sense of privilege was enormous: we [women] were only one in 10.

The Guardian - Books

Not many careers offer that much diversity and sense of privilege.

The Guardian

As each segment unfolds, you develop a strong sense of privilege merely to be present.

The Guardian

The Spaniards had a 2-0 lead because they showed a sense of privilege.

The New York Times - Sports

That skewed sense of privilege has now spread to many other young people, he said.

The New York Times

And I must say that, riding at the front of the top deck, one does have a sense of privilege.

The Guardian - Arts

The founders were wise, but they were subject to the prevailing wisdoms and possessed of a profound sense of privilege.

The New York Times

Celebrity reinforced his sense of privilege and he began to behave with a huffy arrogance that was regal, even divine.

The Guardian - Books

The Sedgwicks have long struggled with their sense of privilege and worried as much about status as about sanity.

The New York Times

His mother can see it all beginning again -- the hero worship, the sense of privilege, maybe the money.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of privilege" to accurately describe the feeling of advantage derived from social status, wealth, or opportunity. It's particularly useful when discussing social commentary or character analysis.

Common error

Be careful not to conflate "sense of privilege" with entitlement. Privilege is an unearned advantage, while entitlement is the belief that one inherently deserves certain benefits. Using the terms interchangeably can lead to misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of privilege" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an awareness or feeling related to having advantages due to one's position or circumstances. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function, showcasing how the phrase is used to convey a character's understanding of their own favored status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of privilege" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an awareness of the advantages one possesses due to their social, economic, or cultural background. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's important to distinguish between privilege and entitlement. While the phrase is generally neutral, its application can carry strong social and political implications. Consider alternatives like "feeling of entitlement" or "air of superiority" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is very frequent, so you should see it often in many texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of entitlement

Focuses more on the expectation of certain benefits or advantages.

attitude of entitlement

Highlights the belief that one is inherently deserving of special treatment.

air of superiority

Emphasizes a haughty or condescending attitude derived from a perceived advantage.

favored status

Indicates a state of being preferred or given preferential treatment.

privileged perspective

Highlights how one's advantages shape their point of view.

advantageous position

Stresses the favorable circumstances one is in compared to others.

superior position

Stresses having more power, authority, or resources than others.

elite standing

Indicates a high social or economic rank that confers special advantages.

feeling of being blessed

Implies a sense of gratitude for one's advantages, often with a spiritual connotation.

understanding of good fortune

Highlights the awareness and recognition of one's favorable circumstances.

FAQs

How to use "sense of privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of privilege" to describe someone's awareness of their advantageous position. For instance, "Growing up in an affluent neighborhood gave him a distinct "sense of privilege"".

What can I say instead of "sense of privilege"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of entitlement", "air of superiority", or "attitude of entitlement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sense of privilege" or "sense of entitlement"?

"Sense of privilege" and "sense of entitlement" are both correct but have different meanings. "Sense of privilege" refers to the awareness of one's unearned advantages, while "sense of entitlement" implies a belief that one inherently deserves special treatment.

What's the difference between "sense of privilege" and "privileged"?

"Sense of privilege" is a noun phrase describing the awareness of having advantages. "Privileged" is an adjective describing someone who has those advantages. For example, someone with a "sense of privilege" might come from a "privileged background".